Refugee support organizations in N.S. await Syrian refugee plans

Refugee support organizations in Nova Scotia are awaiting word of how many Syrian refugees could soon be arriving at our doorstep.

It all depends on how a federal Liberal promise plays out to bring 25,000 refugees to Canada by the end of this year.

"How many of those will come to Nova Scotia? How many of those will be in the Halifax areaand actually get access and service from this clinic?" said Graeme Kohler, who runs the Refugee Health Clinic in Halifax.

"Once we get some kind of announcement with actual numbers, we'll be able to put a plan in place," he said.

Federal immigration officials have told the Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia (ISANS)to expect a comprehensive announcement on Thursday or Friday.

In the meantime, it's a waiting game.

"We still don't have details from government on exactly how they will roll this out and what requirement they might haveif anyfor Red Cross support," said Dan Bedell of the Canadian Red Cross.

Bedell says if called upon, the Red Cross could provide the same type of help needed in a domestic natural disaster.

"Assisting people with things like food, clothing, shelter if there's a requirement for that. The Red Cross is also involved internationally in connecting familiesand ensuring that people are able to make contact if they need to with their relatives," he said.

Rounding up support in rural N.S.

Meanwhile, the volunteer board of the Tatamagouche Centre says 60 refugees could live at their facility.

"We don't know how things will play out, or what is even needed," said board member Karen McNeill.

"But if there was a need for a hospitality centresor places where refugees could be housed temporarily while more permanent places were found for them, at this point in time we find ourselves in a position where we would be able to offer that," she said.

McNeill thinks there's a groundswell of support for Syrian refugees in rural Nova Scotia.

"Even though we are a small centre, we really do feel that we would be able to round up community support for the people staying at the centre," she said.